Story posted Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Fire Dept. Warns Of Burn Camp Fundraising Scam
By RICHARD MAYER Assistant Managing Editor
Mt. Prospect Fire Chief Mike Figolah is warning residents and businesses to be careful and not fall victim to a possible ongoing scam.
According to Figolah, Oak Park-based Firefighters Burn Fund, Inc., a "non profit organization," is contacting individuals in Mt. Prospect and asking them to send money to their organization so children burned in fires can attend a burn camp at YMCA Duncan in Ingleside, Illinois.
"These people are taking advantage of our residents and business owners to donate money to the burn camp," said Figolah. "We have never accepted money from telemarketing services."
According to Figolah, the only times the fire department will raise money themselves for the camp is during golf outings and "Fill-The-Boot," an event where firefighters walk along the street asking motorists to drop loose change into a firefighter boot.
The annual burn camp is sponsored by the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance (IFSA), based in Mt. Prospect, and allows children victimized in fires the opportunity to participate in camp-like activities.
Figolah said if anyone wants to donate they can contact the IFSA directly by phone or go to their website.
"We are going to follow up with this so-called scam with legal action," said Figolah. "We have already filed a police report and are trying to stop their illegal practices."
The burn camp started this past Saturday (June 13) and will continue all this week for approximately 70-100 kids throughout the state.
Attempts by the Journal to contact representatives of Firefighters Burn Fund, Inc., to find out why they are soliciting for money were unsuccessful.
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